Open Circle provides a model for teaching and learning, positive behaviors, social-emotional life skills, and character development. These life skills are necessary for success in school. Classroom teachers implement the Open Circle Curriculum twice weekly, during 15-minute Open Circle Meetings.
The curriculum focuses on building life skills and creating functional learning communities:
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recognizing the mutual importance and interdependence of teaching character development, healthy relationships, and interpersonal skills, necessary for life success,
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fostering positive behaviors, and creating safe, positive classroom environments that support academic success.
Teachers use Open Circle (K-5) and Circles in Open Circle (6-8) lessons to help students develop and strengthen the nonacademic life skills necessary for success in school. Students and teachers sit in a circle where there is always an open space symbolizing that there is always room for one more person to join, or for a different perspective.
The Open Circle Community
Whole schools can be trained in Open Circle’s various components according to their role to reinforce Open Circle skills and foster a sense of belonging and community.
Teachers engage families with home letters (available in multiple languages) about Open Circle instruction.
